Covenant Health Collective Agreement 2020-2024

LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING #15

BETWEEN

COVENANT HEALTH 
(hereinafter referred to as the Employer)

- and -

HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
(hereinafter referred to as the Union)

RE:  INTERNAL GRIEVANCE MEDIATION (IGM)

WHEREAS THE Parties agree it is in their best interests to have grievances resolved expediently, and in an economical manner, and there is benefit in having a full discussion of the issues,

THEREFORE, the Parties agree, the basis of the IGM process is as follows:
 

(a) The purpose of the IGM is to have an open, non-binding discussion in an attempt to reach a resolution satisfactory to both Parties.

(b) Prior to a matter being arbitrated, the Parties may agree to refer the issue to the IGM. Reference of a matter to the IGM is voluntary and must be agreed to by both Parties.  Agreement will not be unreasonably withheld. 

(c) Discussions and proposed resolutions are made on a without prejudice basis and are for the purpose of attempting to achieve a resolution.

(d) Any and all information or documents shared during, or in preparation for the IGM are considered privileged and cannot be used in any further proceedings without proper introduction as evidence unless expressly agreed by the parties.

(e) Both Parties shall put forward three (3) names of representatives from their organization(s) who agree to hear disputes. Each IGM will be heard jointly by one (1) representative from the Union and one (1) representative from the Employer(s).

(f) The representatives will make recommendations to resolve the issue. Recommendations can take any form the Parties and/or the representatives deem appropriate. Recommendations are non-binding on the Parties and are considered privileged and may not be used for any other purpose.

The Parties will meet through the Joint Committee during the life of the Collective Agreement to discuss the operation of this Letter of Understanding and to assess possible modifications. The Parties may jointly recommend changes to the Letter of Understanding to their respective principles as a result of these discussions.

This Letter of Understanding will expire March 31, 2024, or upon the date of ratification of the next Collective Agreement, whichever is later.